AITO announces details of overseas conference in Valladolid, Spain

In anticipation of its upcoming Annual Overseas Conference in Valladolid, Spain, AITO (The Specialist Travel Association) shares details of what to expect over the three-day programme, from 21 – 24 November, 2024.

The annual conference offers AITO members the opportunity to address and debate the big issues currently affecting the travel sector. Sponsored by The Spanish Tourism Board, the theme of this year’s conference is Evolve & Thrive.

High-profile speakers at the conference include: 

Huw Merriman – Former Minister of State at the Department for Transport

Huw served as Minister of State at the Department for Transport between 2022 and July 2024, with responsibility for Rail and Regional Transport. Prior to joining the Government, Huw was Chair of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee for three years. In this role, he held inquiries and led calls from Parliament for the Government to ease restrictions on international travel and give more financial support to the travel industry during the COVID lockdown. Prior to entering Parliament, Huw practiced as a lawyer for 18 years. 

Benedict Allen – Writer, Explorer and Author

Benedict Allen is an explorer best known for his hazardous expeditions through the most inaccessible regions of rainforest, desert and Arctic – journeys achieved not with companions, a phone, GPS, or any of the usual “backup” options but, rather, after months of training with a remote indigenous community. These and other ventures are depicted in his eleven books – including two Sunday Times best sellers – and a wide range of TV series for the BBC, Nat Geo, Channel 5 and The History Channel. 

Key industry speakers:

Martin Alcock
Martin is an owner/director of Travel Trade Consultancy (TTC). Prior to TTC, he qualified as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and worked in the ATOL department of the Civil Aviation Authority. He currently advises operators, lenders and investors in the travel sector on a wide range of financial, strategic and regulatory issues.

Debbie O’Neill

Debbie is an inspirational leader known for her people-focused, compassionate approach. With over 30 years in the travel industry, she began at Pegasus Holidays through a youth training scheme and now leads Jules Verne, as its Managing Director. Her journey showcases her proficiency in customer service and operations, plus her skills in terms of fostering a people-centric culture. Beyond travel, Debbie is a trauma-informed leader, NLP practitioner, and women’s empowerment coach. She supports women both at Jules Verne and through her role on The Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) board.

Heather McKinlay and Robert Kidd

Over 21 years, McKinlay Kidd has won numerous awards for its programme of tailor-made holidays and small group tours covering the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Earlier this year the founders, Heather McKinlay & Robert Kidd, became the first AITO members to sell their shares to an Employee Ownership Trust. McKinlay Kidd now enters a new and exciting chapter under the leadership of its new Managing Director, Zoe Davidson.

“For the 2024 Annual AITO Overseas Conference, we are delighted to be visiting the historic city of Valladolid – a former Capital of Spain – and its many historic treasures alongside its fine wine and culinary traditions, and experiencing all that the city has to offer, whilst also delivering a diverse and engaging conference programme under the theme Evolve & Thrive.

“Once again, we’re proud to welcome so many great speakers, and look forward to debating and discussing the key challenges affecting SME travel business in the UK.

"The Spanish Tourism Board has, as always, been extremely supportive in its organisation of this important annual event in AITO's calendar, and we look forward to introducing our members and guests to Valladolid.” Martyn Sumners, Executive Director of AITO

Press: Issued on behalf of AITO (www.aito.com) by Travel PR.

About AITO: AITO, The Specialist Travel Association, is the UK’s leading association of independent and specialist holiday companies. AITO members are passionate about crafting bespoke travel experiences for their clients, with an emphasis on the highest standards of customer care and sustainability.

AITO is committed to supporting sustainability practices and continues to carbon offset its conferences and seminars.

For more information, please contact Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email Sue Ockwell (s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk / 07831 126356), Gemma Minto (g.minto@travelpr.co.uk) or Julia Farish (j.farish@travelpr.co.uk).